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O’FALLON, Mo. (KMOV) -- A consumer alert from O’Fallon city officials is warning residents to beware of a sales pitch from the local water company.

The American Water Resources Company sent a mailer to at least 1,000 homes in O’Fallon and many more throughout St. Charles County.

“We’re being very clear and saying this is not required or something you have to do,” said O’Fallon employee Tom Drabelle.

The city warns residents the mailing may make it appear as though AWR’s product is endorsed or required by the city of O’Fallon.

“It’s something that’s not endorsed by us, not encouraged by us, but something each individual homeowner may choose to do on their own if it’s appropriate for them,” said Drabelle.

The company offers a coverage plan in case the water line running from the street to residents’ homes breaks.

It can be a costly repair, but far from a necessary precaution.

“Water lines are not something that breaks very easily. Can it happen? Absolutely, but it’s not something that is very common. It’s not something that most homeowners have to deal with,” said Drabelle.

And while the city of O’fallon does not currently offer a coverage plan - like neighboring St. Peters - American Water Resources is just one of many companies that does.